Gyalo Thondup, Influential Advocate for Tibetan Rights, Passes Away at 97

Gyalo Thondup, the prominent political figure and elder brother of the Dalai Lama, has died at the age of 97. His significant contributions to Tibetan politics and advocacy for autonomy and religious freedom have marked him as a pivotal figure in the ongoing struggle for Tibetan rights, alongside his younger brother, Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama.

Gyalo Thondup passed away on Sunday in Kalimpong, West Bengal, as confirmed by the Dalai Lama's office. His brother a revered leader of Tibetan Buddhism stated, "He was a good man who did his best for the Tibetan cause," expressing his hope for Thondup's reincarnation as a servant of the Tibetan administration blending spirituality with political oversight.

Often seen as the second most influential Tibetan figure after the Dalai Lama, Thondup played a crucial role in shaping Tibetan political strategy during their shared history, especially in the context of increasing Chinese encroachment. While the Dalai Lama has been the public face of Tibetan aspirations, Thondup operated behind the scenes, fostering relationships with global leaders and advocating for Tibet’s independence.

As the oldest of six siblings, he was born to farmers in Takster, Tibet, and unlike his brothers destined for religious vocations, his path led him to study abroad and later serve as a longstanding advisor to the Dalai Lama. His life's work focused not only on advocating for his brother's possible return to Tibet since his exile in 1959 but also on the broader pursuit of Tibetan autonomy. Thondup's death marks a significant moment in Tibetan history, with his lifetime of service and commitment to the Tibetan cause now resting in the annals of its struggle.